How to Make Applesauce

4.89 from 17 votes

Learn everything you need to know for how to make homemade applesauce. Keep it plain, add flavorings, adjust the texture, store it, and more!

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: applesauce

Servings: cups

5 pounds apples combination of McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Jonathan
1 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 whole cinnamon stick

Peel and core 5 pounds apples, then cut into small chunks. Place the diced apples in a large saucepan or pot.
Add 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 whole cinnamon stick. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft.
Remove the cinnamon stick and blend using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. Blend until smooth or leave some chunks, depending on personal preference.
Optional: For a sweetened applesauce, return the puree to the pot and stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cook uncovered over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. For a richer, dessert-like applesauce, stir in 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the butter melts completely.
Serve warm or chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For long-term storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months.

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Instant Pot: Add all ingredients to the pot. Seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow a natural release.
Slow Cooker: Combine ingredients and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until apples are soft.
Pear or Strawberry Blends: Swap out up to half of the apples with ripe pears for apple-pear. For a strawberry blend, add 1 cup chopped strawberries during the last 10 minutes of cooking.